b's 2012 year in review [Pictures]

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Last year we got a bit pessimistic on you guys with our year in review. "What was that about?" we subtitled 2011 because, well, the year kind of sucked. What a difference a year makes. Thank you, Orioles and Michael Phelps. Thank you, Baltimore's ever-expanding and influential music scene. We'll even thank Lindsay Lohan for her 81 arrests (an estimate, but close). So relive the year with us, because if that whole End of Days thing happens, this year will still be better than the last.

Last year we got a bit pessimistic on you guys with our year in review. "What was that about?" we subtitled 2011 because, well, the year kind of sucked. What a difference a year makes. Thank you, Orioles and Michael Phelps. Thank you, Baltimore's ever-expanding and influential music scene. We'll even thank Lindsay Lohan for her 81 arrests (an estimate, but close). So relive the year with us, because if that whole End of Days thing happens, this year will still be better than the last. (Getty Images)

This, without question, was one hell of a year for Baltimore sports. The Orioles and Ravens had dizzying ups and downs. And for the first time in memory, we found ourselves glued to the television in October paying equal attention to both of Baltimore's professional ball teams. It was phenomenal. There were many nail-biting moments to pick from, but here are five that really stood out. --By Evan Siple

This, without question, was one hell of a year for Baltimore sports. The Orioles and Ravens had dizzying ups and downs. And for the first time in memory, we found ourselves glued to the television in October paying equal attention to both of Baltimore's professional ball teams. It was phenomenal. There were many nail-biting moments to pick from, but here are five that really stood out. --By Evan Siple (Doug Kapustin, MCT)